Tailgating Party Idea | Tailgate Food Ideas + Tips

Are you hosting a tailgate party this football season? We’re sharing tailgate food ideas + tips on what to have on hand, as well as a tailgating party idea shared down below. This post has been sponsored by Huhtamaki, Inc. makers of the Chinet® brand. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tailgating Party Idea | Tailgate Food Ideas + Tips

It’s September, which means we’re ready for all things fall and football. One of my favorite things about football is the rivalry between a local college, and the maize and blue rival not too far away in a neighboring city.

Michigan is home to two big ten schools, and the Big Brother versus Little Brother competition is strong here in East Lansing and Ann Arbor. Of course, we’re Spartan fans—with two of my siblings hailing from Michigan State and the University of Michigan right in our backyard. Go Green! Go White!

Food + Football Go Together

Another thing I love about the fall season is all the food + fun that comes with football, spending time whipping up some delicious appetizers and drinks to share with friends and family. But, having durable plates to hold all the food is even more critical. Have you ever been to a cookout or party and piled all the good food on your plate, only to have it sag or fall apart? How frustrating, right? And as a hostess, it would be embarrassing to know your guests know you purchased cheap paper products. This is one of the things I always avoid, and I always appreciate quality over quantity. Basically, you can’t go wrong with Chinet® products. Football watch parties and tailgating is all part of the fun, but you can’t forget the food and other essentials. Good food and football are just part of our culture!

One of the reasons I love Chinet products is quality, but also the look, and the Chinet® Classic White™ line can be used for any occasion. You can dress them up and par them down to suit your party needs.

I don’t have to worry about plates or bowls leaking or bending because Chinet products are designed to be thick, dependable, and sturdy.

Pro-tip:The Chinet Classic White compartment plate is perfect for a tailgate party when you have a variety of appetizers and heavier foods. Having a spot for each of our appetizers and drinks works out well whether you’re eating standing up or sitting down. And get this, with the durability of the Chinet Classic White compartment plates, it’s easier to eat standing up—holding the plate in one hand and eating with the other. So, ribs? Bring ’em on! Burgers? No problem. It doesn’t matter because Chinet can handle whatever your tailgating menu is serving up, and look good doing it!

A few more essentials to have on hand when it comes to tailgating are a cooler, drink dispenser, napkins, flatware, and durable disposable cups. Not only is the Chinet® Cut Crystal® 14-ounce cup made with a stylish design, but it’s also made with premium strength, so you don’t have to worry about any leaks or cracks.

The Chinet Cut Crystal 14-ounce cup holds our Black Cherry + Peach Punch, which is a great drink to serve at your next tailgate party.

While we try to serve mostly finger foods at a tailgate party, I always keep utensils on hand. The Chinet Cut Crystal cutlery comes in a “host-ready” container, which I love. I don’t know about you, but when I rip open the plastic package holding utensils, I’m always looking for something to put them in. I don’t have to worry about storage with Chinet because it’s built into the design.

With the Chinet Cut Crystal cutlery container, I can just put the top back on and store the container away until our next event. Simple and easy. I love that!

Coffee is Life

One thing I bring to every tailgate party is my coffee. Well, coffee comes with me everywhere. I typically carry my coffee in a ceramic coffee mug, but we all know how those can easily break.

My coffee stays warm in this insulated cup with a cute design, and it has a lid. I can also carry this cup when I’m running errands during morning carpool drop-offs and more. And when I’m done, I can easily dispose of it and not worry about a coffee mug sitting in my car all day long.

Don’t Forget The Entertainment

While waiting for the food to cook or football to start, be sure to bring a few games, a football, and card games for entertainment. It doesn’t hurt to create a playlist that’s perfect for a tailgating party.

And if you’re bringing your dog with you, make sure you have all the proper supplies (leash, trash bags, food, and their favorite toys).

Tailgate Checklist

As you get ready to head out for a tailgate party and cheer on your favorite football team, here’s a list of things you should have on hand.

What else would you add to this list? Drop me a line below and let me know!

Figuring out what to serve at your tailgate party can go a few ways. If you’re hosting a tailgate party at your home, it will be easy to prepare appetizers and set everything up. If you’re tailgating at the game or near the stadium, you will have to bring more things with you. You will also have to think about what to serve. It may be easier to cook the food at home, then keep it in a warmer and bring it with you. Or, you can bring pressure cookers, portable grill, griddle, etc. to help you cook the food.

Easy Tailgate Food Ideas

We’re sharing a few easy recipes to create for a game day or tailgate party. Our Open-Faced Roast Beef & Turkey Sliders are a winning ticket and are sure to keep the good vibes going.

How about our Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes + Veggies. It’s basically good because of the bacon, but the potatoes and vegetables aren’t bad either.

Give your autumn tailgating party a kick in the pants with our Black Cherry Cider + Peach Party Punch.

Using the Chinet products, I know my plate is safe from breaking or bending, my drink won’t leak, and my coffee will stay warm. To me, tailgating only works when you have the best essentials on hand, delicious food, and of course, sharing it with the people you love

So, as you get ready for football season, start making your list and checking it twice using our recommendations for everything you need to be game day ready! Find more ideas and inspiration by visiting MyChinet.com.